She was a beauty, this big, fat peony. I found her hiding her girth in the shadows of one of my favourite gardens that spring afternoon. She was no spring chicken, but heading into her golden years, edges fraying, and about as full-blown as she would get. I loved every bit of her roundness, her vitality and her personality! She had all the young buds bobbing in the sunshine.

Thanks to those of you who wrote to me when you noticed I had not posted in a few days. I've been painting house portraits, but I took a break from them to delight my spirit by doing this painting.